The best of what to do in and around New York this week

This week in New York, car aficionados will be streaming by the thousands into the annual International Auto Show to see all the latest and greatest four-wheeled technology. For Easter weekend, there’s a family-friendly barnyard egg hunt at the Queens County Farm as well as the iconic Easter Parade along Fifth Avenue. Foodies, meanwhile, will enjoy the cider and cheese tasting at Brooklyn Kitchen.

March 25–April 3 | CarsNew York International Auto ShowFor car lovers, the annual auto show at the Javits Center is like Christmas come early. Truly, it’s the granddaddy of American car shows—it’s been going strong since 1900. Every year, thousands of people flock to check out the hundreds of cars and trucks on display showcasing the latest automotive trends. Swedish company Koenigsegg, for example, will debut its new $2 million Regera car, which boasts a top speed of 248 mph. Acura will be revealing a redesigned MDX luxury SUV, Honda will be showing off their new Civic hatchback, and Toyota will be introducing another car to the Prius line-up.Daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Sundays until 7 p.m.) | 655 W. 34th St., New York | $16 |website

March 26 | Easter egg huntBarnyard Egg HuntIf you’re looking for a family-friendly event during Easter weekend, be sure to check out the annual backyard egg hunt at the Queens County Farm. Kids can meet Whiskers the Bunny, participate in egg hunts in the orchard, and play Easter-themed games like egg tossing. And everyone will enjoy visiting with the farm animals on this working urban farm. The event tends to get packed, especially if the weather is nice, so try to make it out on the earlier side.11 a.m.–3 p.m. | 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park | (718) 347-3276 | $5 | website

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March 26–27 | Escape the cityWashington, D.C.Hop on a relaxing train ride to catch Washington, D.C.’s amazing cherry blossoms in peak bloom this weekend. The National Parks Service has declared peak bloom to be March 23rd and 24th, meaning they’ll still be spectacular come the weekend. The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Tokyo to Washington, D.C. The Tidal Basin is the most famous place to view the beautiful blossoms, but you can get away from the crowds and head to Rawlins Park if you want a more serene experience. For tips on where to eat, drink, and stay, make sure to consult our Washington, D.C. guide.

The Brooklyn Kitchen

Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Kitchen

March 27 | Parade Easter Parade and Bonnet FestivalThe Easter parade is a true New York City tradition. There are no floats—just tens of thousands of people strolling along Fifth Avenue, dressed in their Easter best. Though it started in the 1870s as an informal walk after church, the parade has become a spectacle in which people come to show off their most outlandish outfits, with a particular emphasis on fabulous hats. Anyone can participate, so feel free to get creative and strut your stuff. People even dress up their pets. The area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the best spot for viewing the parade, and if you’re interested you can even try to catch Easter mass there.10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Fifth Ave. from 49th St. to 57th St., New York | Free | website

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March 30 | Eat and drink Cheese and Cider TastingWine and cheese pairings are common, but with cider experiencing a bit of a renaissance, it’s no surprise that people are starting to come around to the combination of cider and cheese. This week, artisan cheesemaker Peter Dixon of Parish Hill Creamery and cider producer David Dolginow of Shacksbury Cider will be leading a tasting at Brooklyn Kitchen of five raw, handmade cheeses and complementary ciders. Learn about these Vermont producers and the elements that make an outstanding pairing.6:30–8:30 p.m. | Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost St., Brooklyn | $35 | website

A native New Yorker, Katherine is afreelance food and travel writerwho has eaten her way across the globe and is always on the lookout for her next great meal. She is an avid reader, insatiable traveler, sometimes photographer, and mom to an inquisitive toddler.